India U-17 to play friendlies against Thailand, Indonesia & South Korea ahead of AFC U-17 Asian Cup

Blue Colts line up three tough tests in Thailand before the continental tournament.

The India national under-17 football team are adding more games to their calendar ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

After the recent trip to Myanmar earlier this month, Bibiano Fernandes’ side will now head to Thailand for another set of friendlies, this time against much stronger opposition.

Khel Now can reveal that India will face Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea on 25 March, 28 March and 31 March 2026, respectively, in Thailand.

All three teams are also preparing for the same continental tournament, which begins on 5 May in Saudi Arabia.

India U-17 Thailand Tour Schedule

• March 25, 2026 (5:30 PM I.S.T): Thailand U-17 vs India U-17
• March 28, 2026 (5:30 PM I.S.T): Indonesia U-17 vs India U-17
• March 31, 2026 (3:30 PM I.S.T): South Korea U-17 vs India U-17

This comes shortly after India’s two matches in Myanmar, where they won 2-1 in the first game and played out a goalless draw in the second. The matches will be played behind closed doors.

Tougher opposition, clearer picture

Before Myanmar, India had already been tested in Turkey.

They lost 0-1 and 1-6 to Türkiye U-17 but responded with a 4-2 win over the FC Spartak Moscow U-17 side in Antalya.

That tour exposed a few things, especially against physically stronger teams. The Thailand leg now offers a different kind of test, more aligned with what awaits in Asia.

What lies ahead in the Asian Cup

India are placed in a difficult Group D.

• Australia (May 6)
• Uzbekistan (May 10)
• DPR Korea (May 13)

No easy fixtures there. The margin for error is minimal. Which is why this run of friendlies matters.

Three different challenges

Thailand will be the first test. The hosts topped their qualification group and are in Group A of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Myanmar. They are organised and used to these conditions.

Indonesia come next. They reached the quarterfinals in the previous edition and qualified directly this time. A team that knows how to handle tournament football. They are placed in Group B alongside Japan, China and Qatar.

Then comes South Korea.

One of the strongest sides at this level in Asia, with regulars at the FIFA U-17 World Cup and two-time Asian champions. That game, more than anything, will show where India currently stands. They are placed in Group C alongside Yemen, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.

Final stretch before Saudi Arabia

The schedule is tight, but that’s probably the point.

AIFF have ensured Fernandes’ squad gets regular exposure before the tournament, Myanmar, Turkey, and now Thailand. Not all results have gone India’s way, but the matches have added clarity.

These three games won’t decide anything. But they will tell India how ready they actually are.

India U-17 Men’s Squad for Thailand tour

Goalkeepers:

Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders:

Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, MD Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia, Zoramdinthara.

Midfielders:

Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh, Nitish kumar Meitei.

Forwards:

Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah KH, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Washington Singh, Yuvraj Kadam.

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